Why an IEP Request Letter Matters
Initiating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process starts with a formal request. A well-crafted IEP request letter is crucial. It officially informs the school of your concerns regarding your child’s academic performance, behavior, or other challenges impacting their learning. This letter sets the stage for a collaborative assessment and development of a tailored educational plan to meet your child’s unique needs. Be clear, concise, and specific about your observations and reasons for requesting an evaluation.
Key Elements of an Effective Request
A successful IEP request letter should include specific details. Clearly state your child’s name, grade, and teacher. Briefly describe the areas where you observe difficulties, providing concrete examples if possible. Mention any previous interventions or support your child has received and their effectiveness. Express your desire for a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services and the development of an IEP. Politely request a meeting to discuss your concerns and the next steps in the evaluation process.
Tips for Writing a Strong IEP Request Letter
Before writing, gather any relevant information about your child’s challenges. This could include report cards, teacher feedback, medical diagnoses, or observation notes. Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter. Focus on your child’s needs and how the school can support their educational progress. Keep a copy of the letter for your records and send it via certified mail or email with delivery confirmation to ensure it is received and documented.
Sample IEP Request Letters
Sample Letter 1: General Request
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name]
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s progress in [Subject/Area of Concern]. I would appreciate it if the school would conduct an evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Focusing on Reading Difficulties
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Reading Difficulties
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. I am writing because I have concerns about [Child’s Name]’s reading skills. [Child’s Name] is having difficulty with phonics and reading comprehension. I would appreciate it if the school would conduct an evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services to support reading development.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Addressing Math Challenges
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Math Challenges
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is currently in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. I am increasingly concerned about [Child’s Name]’s progress in mathematics. Specifically, [Child’s Name] struggles with [Specific Math Skill, e.g., multiplication, fractions, problem-solving]. I believe a comprehensive evaluation is warranted to determine if [Child’s Name] qualifies for special education services to address these math challenges.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Concerns About Writing Skills
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Writing Concerns
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s writing abilities. I have observed that [Child’s Name] struggles with sentence structure and expressing thoughts coherently. I request an evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education support in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Focusing on Social-Emotional Needs
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Social-Emotional Needs
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. I’ve noticed difficulties with [Child’s Name]’s social interactions and emotional regulation at school. Specifically, [Child’s Name] [describe specific behaviors/challenges, e.g., has difficulty managing frustration, struggles to make friends, seems anxious]. I am requesting an evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] qualifies for special education services addressing these social-emotional needs.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Combining Academic and Behavioral Concerns
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Academic and Behavioral Concerns
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], a [Grade] grade student at [School Name]. I have concerns regarding both [Child’s Name]’s academic performance and behavior in the classroom. [Child’s Name] is struggling in [Specific Subject] and also exhibits [Specific Behavioral Concerns, e.g., difficulty staying focused, disruptive behavior]. I believe a comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services to address these combined challenges.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Referencing Previous Interventions
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Following Interventions
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. [Child’s Name] has previously participated in [Name of Intervention, e.g., Tier 1 support, reading tutoring] to address [Area of Concern]. While we appreciate these efforts, [Child’s Name] continues to struggle with [Specific Challenges]. Therefore, I am requesting a formal evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services and an IEP.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Requesting Specific Evaluations
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Requesting Specific Evaluations
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. Given [Child’s Name]’s ongoing difficulties with [Specific Area of Concern, e.g., reading fluency, written expression], I would like to request specific evaluations, including [List Specific Evaluations, e.g., a reading assessment, a psychoeducational evaluation, a speech and language assessment]. I believe these evaluations will provide a comprehensive understanding of [Child’s Name]’s needs and determine eligibility for special education services.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Following Up on Informal Discussions
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Following Up
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
This letter is to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. As discussed in our previous meeting on [Date of Meeting], I remain concerned about [Child’s Name]’s progress in [Area of Concern]. I am now formally requesting an evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services and an IEP. I look forward to discussing this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Emphasizing Collaboration
Date: October 26, 2023
To: [Principal’s Name], Principal
From: [Your Name]
Subject: IEP Evaluation Request for [Child’s Name] – Seeking Collaboration
Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name],
I am writing to request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], who is in [Grade] grade at [School Name]. I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s [Area of Concern]. I am eager to work collaboratively with the school to best support [Child’s Name]’s educational needs. I believe an evaluation is the necessary first step in determining if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services and developing an IEP that will help [Child’s Name] succeed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Writing an IEP request letter is a vital step in advocating for your child’s educational needs. By clearly outlining your concerns, providing specific examples, and maintaining a collaborative tone, you can effectively communicate with the school and initiate the process of developing an IEP that will empower your child to reach their full potential. Remember to keep records of all communication and actively participate in the evaluation and IEP development process.
